Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
monotreme
This term describes a highly specialized biological category, evoking a sense of evolutionary anomaly. It is used almost exclusively in scientific, zoological, or educational contexts to highlight the rare intersection of mammalian traits and avian or reptilian reproductive methods.
Because it refers to a specific taxonomic order, the word carries a neutral, descriptive tone. It is typically employed when discussing biodiversity, evolutionary history, or the unique characteristics of the platypus and echidna.
Meanings
Examples
The platypus is the most famous example of a monotreme.
Wait, you are telling me a monotreme actually lays eggs?
The echidna is another type of monotreme found in Australia and New Guinea.
I wonder how the first monotreme evolved from its reptilian ancestors.
A monotreme possesses a cloaca, which is a single opening for both excretion and reproduction.
The biology textbook defines a monotreme as an egg laying mammal.
Is every monotreme native to the Southern Hemisphere?
The museum exhibit features a detailed skeleton of an extinct monotreme.